Wannabe/Faux Runner - Tips and Encouragement Appreciated!

GabyBaby916

Hello all,

I've been tentatively starting to run for about a year. That sounds odd, but let me explain.
I believe I have a solid base of walking (averaging 3-5 miles at least 5 days per week).
I've started the C25K program a number of times in the past, but never got beyond week one. I always felt defeated that the first half of Week 1, Day 1 was (almost) enough to jump on my cell phone and ask my husband to drive out and pick me up from the side of the road somewhere. I think I have the wind/lungs, but my legs start KILLING me. I'm a VERY slow jogger, so my jog could more accurately be described as a bouncy walk with a slightly longer stride. My poor dog barely trots as she keeps pace. I've seen her glancing at me while we're "jogging". I'm pretty sure it is a look of pity. :grumble:

In the last month or two, I've started mixing very short bursts of jogging during my usual walk. I'll walk for a bit, then the mood strikes and I'll jog from one end of a block to the other, then continue my walk. The next day or week, if the mood struck me, I'd jog 2 blocks, then walk. There hasn't been any real consistentcy or any real plan other than the thought "I'd like to start running".

I think part of the issue is that I have a couple of conerns that I am using as ready excuses to stay on the walking side of the track versus the running side.
FIrst, I'm about 35lbs heavier than I want to be. I'm 5ft 5in tall and currently weigh 170lbs. I worry that I'm too heavy to really start a running program. I was in an ankle boot for the better part of a year for tendonitis, so reinjuring is a concern.
Second, I can go for long periods of being extremely dedicated to a workout/eating plan, then if someting happens to knock me off track, it can take months to get back into a regular routine.

So....with that, can the more experienced runners give a newb some tips on how to:
1. Get started.
2. Stay motivated.
3. Develop a personal program that I can stick with and progress.

Thank you!

SteveTries

I think you have to find what works for you. Whenever I am struggling for motivation I print out a goals chart and post it on the fridge.

Right now I have one, actually two:

1) the first one is a tower of numbers from 1 up to 21, each in a box. These represent the number of cardio workouts I want to achieve by my target deadline of Sep 6. Every time I get back from a run I grab a pen and colour in another one of those boxes.
2) very similar to 1) but this has my target weight. Each time I weigh in and hit a new milestone I colour that box in.

I really find this an excellent motivator. It's publicly published in the kitchen which makes me feel accountable and when you start seeing those coloured boxes climbing towards the top it really keeps you going.

Perhaps it can work for you.

What I would say is that once you've forced yourself through 2-3 weeks of a new regime you really start to adapt to it and enjoy it. Hang in there. Good luck.

BerryH

Hi and welcome to running! :flowerforyou:

I think I have the wind/lungs, but my legs start KILLING me. I'm a VERY slow jogger, so my jog could more accurately be described as a bouncy walk with a slightly longer stride. My poor dog barely trots as she keeps pace. I've seen her glancing at me while we're "jogging". I'm pretty sure it is a look of pity. :grumble:

Nowt wrong with slow, slow is good. You might actually want to bounce less and actually try for a shorter stride with faster turnover, trying to glide along. I always tell people if you run like you're finding it easy, you will! Try not to do an exaggerated heel landing and aim to land mid-foot. Your aches and pains will thank you down the line!

Try a pre-C25K. Go out for half an hour total. Walk the first five minutes. Jog the time YOU feel comfortable - say 30 seconds - then walk until YOU feel your legs and lungs are ready again. Rinse, repeat, and walk to cool down. When you feel ready to resume C25K, consider repeating the first week once or twice. As soon as you find it easy, then progress to week 2.

FIrst, I'm about 35lbs heavier than I want to be. I'm 5ft 5in tall and currently weigh 170lbs. I worry that I'm too heavy to really start a running program. I was in an ankle boot for the better part of a year for tendonitis, so reinjuring is a concern.

Assuming you have the medical thumbs-up for running, this is more reason to take it more slowly as recommended above. Don't forget to stretch, not just after a run, but during the week. Consider taking at least two days rest or low-impact exercise only between running days. Your weight's not a problem, I'm much heavier than you and was even more so when I started running. But you might want to consider getting fitted for proper running shoes at a specialist shop sooner than I'd usually recommend for beginners.

2. Stay motivated.

Can't beat a race as a running goal! Try to find a beginner-friend 5K race with a large field in four months or so. To be fair, many of the mass-participation once are in spring or summer, but that means you have loads of time to practice!

GabyBaby916

Thank you both for your responses.

SJB:
I am a very visual person and use notes and other bits to keep myself on track in other day to day areas of my life. I dont know why your idea didn't come to me sooner! I can easily see this working well for me. I'm going to put together a schedule and grid over the weekend.

BerryH:
I love love LOVE the pre-C25K idea. I know I have a good solid walking base and can easily walk for 30-45 minutes at a brisk pace with no problems. The C25K week 1 continues to defeat me though. Your idea is a good bridge between the two and I will try that immediately!
I do have a good pair of running shoes, thank goodness! I just need to get back out there and use them. I'm hoping to entice my husband into runnign with me. I noticed that when I started my walking routine with some ladies at work, we kept each other motivated. As it turns out, we were ALL out of shape, but no one wanted to be the first person to stop for rest! :laugh:
Having a partner would help me push myself further than I would on my own (at least initially).

I would love to run a 5K and have thought about it again and again. I've thus far not signed up for a race because I've not been able to finish one week of the training program to date. However, with a goal and a specific date looming, that'd be an additional motivator to keep at it.

Thank you both again! These tips were extremely useful!

schmenge55

You might just need to get past the first mile. 23 years ago i tried to get into running and never got past that first mile either. Took up race walking instead. Now I run as well too and what I found is that the first mile is something I need to push through and then I am fine. I'm doing 18 on Sunday but only the first one (and maybe the last one lol) is the hard one

GabyBaby916

I can't even fathom 5 miles let alone 18 yet! Way to go!
I'm going to keep pushing and hopefully the first mile will be the "work the kinks out" portion, then I'll be in the zone.
If nothing else, I DO feel really good when I finish working out, so that's a perk.

Mlkmaid

There's no magic bullet, you just have to "do it". I never really understood the NIke slogan until I started the C25K three years ago. I've actually done it twice, both times successfully. I had to start over after a badly sprained ankle. You really just have to do it. Sounds like you're having anxiety attacks almost and focusing on speed when it's really about time at the beginning. It's not about speed. Quit psyching yourself out. Listen to your body. Slow is good. I've been at it over three years and I still run an 11 minute mile. I can get it down to 9 on a treadmill but I hate the "hamster" feeling and like hills and the fresh air. I just recently started inching my way above 30 minutes. I'm up to 40 now. If you would have told me three years ago I could run 40 minutes straight without a problem I would have told you "no way". You really just have to do it. And there's no shame in doing week 1 for three weeks until you're comfortable to move ahead. AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT SHOES! I ran in pain the first year and realized I was just not made for Nikes. Changing to Brooks literally changed my life and my attitude about running.